Qian Jinglan’s heart clenched at Qian Bowen’s words, her face turning deathly pale.
As a daughter, no one could remain unmoved hearing their father was dying.
Especially since Qian Jinglan had been away from home for over twenty years.
This news hit her like a thunderbolt.
But in an instant, recalling her father’s heartlessness, anger surged within her.
“Twenty years ago, when he cast me out, we were done,” Qian Jinglan said, forcing a steely tone.
Qian Bowen sighed deeply, “Jinglan, Father did that back then because he was furious.”
“He’s a world-famous scholar, devoted to Confucian values, cherishing righteousness and honor above all. You got pregnant out of wedlock and refused to name the man, so in his rage, he expelled you.”
“But over these twenty years, not a moment passed without him regretting it.”
“I often saw him late at night, holding your photo, crying silently.”
“Did you know? Before he slipped into a coma, he gripped my hand tightly, asking me to apologize to you on his behalf.”
Qian Jinglan, soft-hearted by nature, broke into tears at this.
Qian Bowen continued, “Some time ago, Father must’ve sensed his days were numbered, so he gathered the family for a meeting.”
“The only agenda was his will.”
“You know Father lived simply, he had little wealth. The family’s valuables are just an old house, his collection of ancient books, and paintings.”
“Then there’s the royalties from his books.”
“He said he owed you and your son too much these past twenty years and wanted to make amends.”
“So he left the most valuable old house, books, and paintings to you.”
“The royalties were split between me and Second Brother.”
“Jinglan, Father’s fading fast, come back to see him one last time and handle the inheritance.”
Qian Jinglan’s heart ached as if sliced by a knife.
She sobbed uncontrollably.
Qian Bowen added, “I worried you still resented Father and wouldn’t return, so I sent Chunmei and Rong’er to fetch you. Have they arrived?”
“Big Brother, Chunmei and Rong’er came to Jiangzhou just to get me, nothing else?”
“Nothing else, just to bring you back,” Qian Bowen asked, “Are they there?”
Qian Jinglan realized the waiver must’ve been Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong’s idea, Qian Bowen knew nothing about it.
“I was just blaming Father, so I sent them away.”
“Big Brother, I’ll head out now, try to get there soon.”
Qian Jinglan glanced at Ye Qiu, “I’ll bring my son with me.”
“Good, I’ll wait at home. Be safe on the road.”
After hanging up, Qian Jinglan wiped her tears and said to Ye Qiu, “Qiuer, book tickets now, we’re going to Suzhou-Hangzhou.”
“Your grandpa’s dying.”
“We’ll see him one last time.”
Ye Qiu immediately called Han Long, asking him to secure plane tickets, then rushed with Qian Jinglan to the airport.
Forty minutes later, they reached Jiangzhou Airport.
Han Long was already waiting.
“Hello, Auntie,” Han Long greeted Qian Jinglan politely, handed Ye Qiu the tickets, and said, “Boss, the flight’s in an hour. I’ve arranged everything in Suzhou-Hangzhou, someone will pick you up when you land.”
“Good,” Ye Qiu nodded, then said to Qian Jinglan, “Mom, wait a sec, I need to talk to Han Long.”
They stepped aside.
“How’s the task I gave you?” Ye Qiu asked.
“All set,” Han Long replied, “I’ll send the Qian family info to your phone soon.”
“Thanks!”
Ye Qiu patted Han Long’s shoulder.
Han Long cautioned, “Boss, Suzhou-Hangzhou isn’t Dragon Gate turf, be careful there.”
“No worries.”
Ye Qiu smiled faintly.
He’d braved the capital’s dangers, what was a little Suzhou-Hangzhou to him?
Meanwhile, in Suzhou-Hangzhou, at the Qian family residence.
Outside the main house of a courtyard, a large group gathered, men and women alike.
Worry etched every face.
Leading them were Qian Lao Ye Zi’s sons, Qian Bowen and Qian Weidong.
“Big Brother, did you call Jinglan? Is she coming?” Qian Weidong asked.
Qian Bowen nodded, “Jinglan said she’s bringing her son.”
“That’s good,” Qian Weidong sighed, “It’s been over twenty years since Jinglan left, and we haven’t seen her. I wonder what she’s like now.”
“No matter what, she’s still our little sister,” Qian Bowen scanned the crowd, “Where’s Duoduo? Not back yet?”
“I just called him, he’s on his way,” Qian Weidong fumed, “I told him before he left to finish his business and hurry back, but that brat’s wings grew the moment he stepped out. When he’s here, I’ll give him a beating.”
“Duoduo’s not a kid anymore, he has his own mind, don’t keep hitting him, it’ll only strain your bond,” Qian Bowen advised.
“Forget it, he just pisses me off,” Qian Weidong looked at the main house, worried, “I wonder if the three master physicians can save Father.”
“Let’s hope he pulls through!”
Just as Qian Bowen finished, footsteps echoed from outside.
A group streamed in, led by middle-aged men in white shirts, exuding authority.
Seeing them, Qian Bowen and Qian Weidong’s faces shifted, and they hurried to greet them.
“Secretary Wang!”
“Governor Han!”
“Mayor Zhao!”
“Director Tian!”
“What brings you here?”
These men were Suzhou-Hangzhou’s powerholders, all former students of Qian Lao Ye Zi.
“Bowen, how’s the teacher? I heard you brought in the three master physicians, what’s the situation?” Secretary Wang asked.
“The three masters are inside,” Qian Bowen pointed to the main house, “They’ve been in there over an hour, no word yet. As for Father’s condition, I’m afraid…”
Before he could finish, Governor Han cut in, “Bowen, don’t worry, the teacher’s blessed, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
“Mm.”
Qian Bowen nodded, glancing back at the house, praying silently, “Father, so many care for you, even Jinglan’s coming, you have to hold on!”
Just then, a creak sounded.
The main house’s closed doors swung open.
